# Regeneration of Insulin-Producing β Cells, Reduction in Inflammation and Oxidation Stress, and Improvement in Lipid Profile in a Type 1 Diabetes Rat Model by Intraperitoneal Injection of the Growth Factors-Rich Catfish Skin-Derived Fraction-B: An Introductory Report

## TL;DR

A catfish skin-derived treatment helped regenerate insulin-producing cells in diabetic rats, reducing inflammation and improving health without side effects.

## Contribution

This study introduces a novel catfish skin-derived fraction that regenerates β-cells in a T1D rat model without immunosuppressants.

## Key findings

- FB treatment reduced blood glucose and increased insulin and C-peptide levels in diabetic rats.
- Histopathological analysis confirmed regeneration of functional β-cells in pancreatic islets.
- FB improved lipid profiles and reduced inflammation and oxidative stress without toxicity.

## Abstract

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results from the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing β-cells. The regeneration of durable insulin-producing β-cells remains a critical challenge. This study investigated the regenerative potential of Fraction-B (FB), a catfish skin-derived preparation rich in growth factors, in a T1D rat model to regenerate active β-cells. Sprague Dawley rats with T1D caused by streptozotocin injection received daily intraperitoneal injections of FB for 8 weeks. FB treatment significantly reduced blood glucose to a level close to that of normal control animals, increased serum insulin and C-peptide, and restored pancreatic insulin content. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed the regeneration of insulin-producing β-cells in pancreatic islets. FB treatment also improved diabetes-related health issues through a reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress, and an improvement in lipid profiles without toxicity or side effects. The regenerated β-cells remained functional for 48 weeks without the use of immunosuppressants, until the animals were sacrificed. These findings suggest FB treatment to be a promising procedure for translational research into T1D treatment.